Public Policy

COVA strives to raise the understanding of victim issues within the consciousness of policy makers and the general public to a level where all crime victims are viewed with honor and respect and their rights are recognized as an essential element of the criminal justice process. To further these goals, COVA addresses public policy issues both inside and outside the legislative arena. COVA monitors proposed bills and advocates on issues relevant to crime victims and those who serve them on a daily basis. Legislative advocacy involves coalition-building with other victim advocacy groups; assisting members in identifying and implementing ways to educate their communities; and raising legislators’ awareness and knowledge of crime victim issues. COVA also monitors federal initiatives and issues that affect victims’ rights.View our Public Policy Updates webinar from December 2017.

Legislative Victims' Rights Caucus

COVA is proud to announce the 7th year of the Colorado Crime Victims' Rights Caucus. This caucus hopes to serve as the General Assembly's subject matter experts in ensuring that the rights of crime victims are appropriately balanced in the consideration of criminal justice policy.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). Because of this law, convicted felons in Federal courts are assessed fines and must pay into the Crime Victims Fund. That money is used for victim services and helps pay for injuries, medical expenses, etc. As of today, the fund holds approximately $12 billion—this is not taxpayer funded money. The federal government regularly withdraws money from the fund to directly offset costs of unrelated government projects. H.R. 818 ensures VOCA funds can only be used for their original intent: helping victims of crime. Click here to read the bill.

CCJJ Meetings: Getting Involved

COVA highly encourages that people who are interested in protecting the rights of crime victims in Colorado attend meetings of the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ) and related subcommittees and workgroups. CCJJ provides the legislature with policy recommendations on sentencing, alternatives to incarceration and many other issues related to the criminal justice system. It is crucial that the voices of crime victims are not lost in this process. Please note that while CCJJ meetings are open to the public, public comment is not always allowed.

Click here for a link to the CCJJ master calendar with all committee and subgroup meeting dates.

COVA's Public Policy Toolkit for Legislative Advocacy:

COVA's Public Policy Committee has put together a Public Policy Toolkit for Legislative Advocacy to assist in improving legislative advocacy for crime victims. This toolkit provides a step-by-step process on how you can get involved and several options on how to do so. It is vital that we all work together to reach out to our legislators to raise awareness on the impact that certain bills may have on crime victims. Please check out the Public Policy Toolkit below!